Arsene Wenger Says He'll Return to Manage Arsenal for 2014-15 Season

Arsene Wenger reassured Arsenal's fans that he'll be back to manage the club next season following Sunday's 1-0 win over West Brom.

After the last home fixture of the Gunners' 2013-14 campaign, Wenger is quoted by the Daily Mail's Laura Williamson as giving his word to sign a new contract:

Will I be back next season? Yes. You will see me again. I don't know [when I will sign a new deal], but I told you many times that my word is my word. I am from a period where you did not need a pen to commit.

It is not linked [with success or failure in the FA Cup final] at all. It was important to be in the Champions League, that is for sure.

I do not have moments of doubt. If I did, it would have been a few years ago when I had to say "no" to many offers and I committed to this club.

Arsenal have secured qualification for next season's Champions League after tying up fourth place in the English top flight ahead of Roberto Martinez's Everton.

Presenter Piers Morgan, a known Arsenal fan, clearly doesn't see the same improvements Wenger does, however:

4th again. > RT @johncrossmirror Wenger: "If we consider overall quality of our performances this season we can say we have moved forward."

With his contract expiring at the end of this term, there was some doubt as to whether Wenger would pen a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

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Appointed as manager of the North London outfit in September 1996, the Frenchman is coming up to his 18-year anniversary at the helm.

Wenger's comments come a fortnight before his side take on Hull City in the FA Cup final on May 17, where his men have a prime opportunity to end their nine-year silverware drought.

That lack of trophy success wouldn't have been acceptable in other climates, according to West Brom chief Pepe Mel, who claims that were Wenger managing in Spain, he would have been sacked already, per the Press Association, via The Guardian:

I don't think Arsene would have survived in Spain. Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is a good example. Three months ago, he was under real pressure and now they are in the Champions League final.

In Spain, England and Germany it is always the same, the head coach lives for the results. But I'm not surprised Arsene is still in a job, as I agree with Arsenal. He has a good philosophy.

Opinion is frequently split on the topic of Wenger and his status in the Arsenal hot seat in an argument that wavers between what matters more: results and titles or firm club beliefs and ideals.

The Associated Press' Rob Harris highlights the eerie significance that the number 17 is having on Arsenal's affairs right now:

17: Number of weeks Arsenal spent top of PL this season.
17: Number of CL qualifications for Wenger
17 May, date of Arsenal's FA Cup final

Following the retirement of ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Wenger is currently the longest-serving boss in the Premier League, and with a new contract seemingly looming, it seems likely that the tactician will reach his 20th year at the Emirates.

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Had the Gunners failed to claim fourth spot this season, it would have undoubtedly put Wenger's position under an even greater deal of pressure.

That being said, the 64-year-old gives the impression that he's as confident in the role as ever, and the upcoming FA Cup climax will serve in either vindicating or diminishing his credentials to serve on.